Calcium For Adults
Dear Curious about Milk,
I appreciate your question. Much of the information that we hear about milk being "the essential drink" comes from the dairy industry. They have a vested interest. In nature, animals drink milk only in infancy. Most people (other than people of northwest European origin) do not tolerate milk well. 75% of adults can't digest the sugar contained in milk called lactose. The protein in milk, called casein, irritates many people's immune systems. Casein is connected to a number of serious health problems. In addition to all of this, most commercial milk also contains residues from drugs, hormones, and chemicals used to keep modern dairy cows producing.
As for calcium, which helps regulate the nerves and muscles and is necessary to build strong bones, there are other ways to get it. Cooked greens (especially collards), molasses, sesame seeds, broccoli, and tofu are good sources. In adults, dairy products can do more harm than good, because their protein content can accelerate the loss of calcium from bones. An adequate daily intake of calcium (1,000 - 1,500 mg) along with magnesium and potassium works to control blood pressure by helping to regulate the amount of salt your body retains. Most of us get all the potassium we need from fresh fruits and vegetables. (Don't take potassium supplements unless a doctor prescribes them).
I usually recommend calcium citrate as a calcium supplement because it is more easily assimilated than other forms. It is ok to use calcium supplements containing vitamin D. In fact, I recommend everyone take a good balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. The supplement I use in my practice is Basic Nutrients III.